Set a Time and Space for Studying

January is the best month to help your child reflect on their study habits and turn over a new leaf as a student. Helping your child make positive changes in their study habits can make a world of difference before the tug of the outdoors and hanging out with friends start calling in the spring. Take the time to clear a space that is for homework only with writing utensils, paper, a computer, a calculator and a clock. Make sure that any distractions (phones video games etc.) are put on hold and help them set a schedule for doing their homework. Determine how long they are estimating each portion of their homework will take to complete and set the timer on their clock accordingly. I love the Mark My Time Bookmark with Digital Timer ($8) for those students who have at home reading assignments. Having an awareness of how long they are spending on each homework assignment can help in many ways. It identifies which assignments are more challenging for your student and which are more easily completed and it also helps your student reflect on their own study habits and needs. Students begin to see a pattern and can identify which assignments are ones they need to focus on more carefully and which are more easily completed. Being a self-aware student is the most significant step towards being a successful student.